Registered unlicensed plumbers

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An individual who is not licensed as a plumber may only perform plumbing work in Minnesota if they are registered with us as a registered unlicensed plumber (formerly known as an apprentice).
There is no work experience required to register as a registered unlicensed plumber and the initial filing fee is $14.
Once registered, a registered unlicensed plumber may only perform plumbing work under the direct supervision of a licensed master plumber or journeyworker plumber.
For work in communities with a population under 5,000, unlicensed work can be supervised by a license-restricted master plumber or restricted journeyworker plumber.
Unlicensed plumbers must also be a W-2 employee of a licensed plumbing contractor, licensed restricted plumbing contractor or a registered plumbing employer (for work performed on the employer's premises only).
Unlicensed registrations must be renewed by June 30 of each year. The renewal fee is $14.
Registered unlicensed plumbers must complete two hours of continuing education related to code by June 30 of each year.
To renew your registration you must submit your work experience for the past year. Employers do not submit this information.

A registered unlicensed plumber who has worked for four years can apply to take the journeyworker plumber exam once they have performed 7,000 hours of practical work experience.
This work experience must include the following minimum experience in these categories of plumbing work:
2,000 hours of water distribution system installation,
2,000 hours of drain, waste and vent system installation, and
1,000 hours of fixture installation .
The remaining hours may be in any aspect of plumbing work as defined in the code.
Registered unlicensed plumbers can check their accumulated work experience online.
More information about plumbing license exams